Vacation rentals in Gainesville
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Top-rated vacation rentals in Gainesville
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Vacation rentals for every style
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Popular amenities for Gainesville vacation rentals
Gainesville home rentals
Close to UF/Stadium & Downtown, PETS welcome!
Casa Springs / Home in High Springs
Gator Grove - Queen Ann White - New Build!
Northwood Estate, 15min from UF *Newly Renovated!*
Cozy Hideaway in the Duck Pond area of Gainesville
Gated Golf Getaway close to Springs and UF
Cozy 3 B/R home nestled amid historic live oaks
Cozy Gainesville Getaway 1.7 miles from Stadium
Gainesville apartment rentals
Beautifully Remodeled Apartment
The Orchid of Lake Santa Fe
Nomad Retreat King Bed Boutique Condo w Garage
New garage apt by Depot Park & Downtown
Violeta of the Springs
Florida Room: Walk DNTN | Studio | Lux Bath
Wanderlust Nest~New Private Studio~Quiet comfort
Midcentury in Historic Downtown walk to Depot Park
Other great vacation rentals in Gainesville
Beautiful 1-Bedroom Guest House Historic District
Sunflower Acres Cottage
5-star Luxury Apartment - Atop the Seagle Building
Luxury Apartment in Historic Downtown Duck Pond
Harmony Tiny House-10 min to UF & Airport
The Floridian. Newly Built Dreamhome Near UF/Dtown
Remodeled 2 bedroom/1 bath HOUSE close to downtown
Little Love Shack
Quick stats about vacation rentals in Gainesville
Total rentals
1.3K properties
Total number of reviews
65K reviews
Family-friendly rentals
690 properties are a good fit for families
Pet-friendly rentals
460 properties allow pets
Rentals with a pool
360 properties have a pool
Rentals with dedicated workspaces
780 properties have a dedicated workspace
Your guide to Gainesville
All About Gainesville
With a state park home to wild bison and alligators, a natural history museum with an internationally-acclaimed fossil collection, and a 125-acre wetland park located right downtown, Gainesville, Florida offers more than your typical college town. One hour from Jacksonville, Gainesville is the biggest city in Alachua County, located in north central Florida. The region is best known for its natural areas, which are perfect for outdoor recreation such as biking, swimming, and boating.
However, Gainesville is also home to well-preserved historic buildings, the oldest of which dates back to 1884. For a small city, Gainesville is a lively place with many festivals scheduled throughout the year, as well as a strong arts scene intertwined in the city’s culture. Street art and full wall murals showcase local talent all over Gainesville. A noteworthy spot to visit is the ever-changing Gainesville Graffiti Wall, a 1,120-foot wall that receives new art added nearly every day.
The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Gainesville
Many of Gainesville’s most popular attractions are outdoors and best explored in the springtime. Warm Florida weather brings life to an array of wildflowers, including the roadside phlox, which blooms from April to June each year. Spring also gets significantly less rainfall than the summer months, making it a good time to plan outdoor picnics and hiking excursions. Spring is also when the Santa Fe Spring Arts Festival takes place, showcasing local art and live music.
Summer is rainy season in Gainesville, and the days are often warm and muggy. The precipitation eases every October, and the weather becomes more comfortable for spending time outdoors. Winter is brief, mild, and dry and worth a trip for the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire that turns the Alachua County Fairgrounds into a medieval marketplace for two weeks every January.
Top things to do in Gainesville
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Just south of Gainesville is the Paynes Prairie Preserve, a state park that protects the habitat of a wide variety of native animals and birds. You may come across wild horses, deer, and bison when walking in the prairie, or alligators in the park’s marshes. A 16-mile paved path makes it possible to bike through the park for a close up view of Floridian nature. For a panoramic view, a 50-foot-high observation tower is open to the public.
Kanapaha Botanical Garden
The city’s 64-acre botanical garden has 24 collections, including the largest public bamboo forest display and the largest herb garden in Florida. With a map in hand, you can wander through gardens that specialize in botanical varieties, such as the Bromeliad Garden, Fern Cobble, Bamboo Garden, Woodland Trail, and more. Three different waterfalls link up the water gardens to the west of the park.
Florida Museum of Natural History
Learn about the last 65 million years on earth as you progress through five geologic periods in the Florida Museum of Natural History’s permanent Florida Fossils exhibit. Many of the fossils here were discovered within a 100-mile radius of Gainesville. Right at the exhibit’s entrance are several sets of shark jaws, including the nine-foot-wide jaws of the extinct Megalodon. Another permanent exhibit encourages children to learn through interactive activity stations and is open weekdays.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the weather in Gainesville?
Gainesville has a humid subtropical climate with long hot summers (around 90°F or 32°C) and mild winters (around 42°F to 65°F, or 5°C to 18°C). Rain is common, especially in summer.
What are some of the best things to do in Gainesville?
Visitors often explore the Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History, cheer on the Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, or take a stroll in Kanapaha Botanical Gardens.
What is the best time of year to visit Gainesville?
The most popular time to visit Gainesville is from March to May when the weather is comfortable. Events like the Spring Garden Festival in Kanapaha Botanical Gardens and the Downtown Festival & Art Show happen during this period.
What are the best places to stay in Gainesville?
Explore diverse neighborhoods in Gainesville such as Downtown, known for its historic charm, the University Heights for its university vibe, and the Millhopper district for a more peaceful residential setting.
What are the best places to visit in Gainesville?
Frequently suggested places are the Florida Museum of Natural History, the Harn Museum of Art, and the historic Thomas Center.
What are some hiking trails in Gainesville?
Gainesville has Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park featuring many trails, the La Chua Trail known for its wildlife sightings, and the Hogtown Creek Greenway, a canopy road with walking paths.
What are some family activities to do in Gainesville?
Families often explore educational venues like the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, engage in outdoor adventures at Morningside Nature Center, or spend the day at the Depot Park.
What are some of the best day trip ideas in Gainesville?
Day trip ideas include visiting the historic town of Micanopy, exploring the O'Leno State Park, or heading to the coastal city of Cedar Key.
Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in Gainesville?
Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 780 vacation rentals in Gainesville featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.
Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in Gainesville?
Four-legged friends are welcome in Gainesville. Choose from more than 460 vacation rentals for guests traveling with pets.
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- Ginnie Springs
- Rainbow Springs State Park
- Ichetucknee Springs State Park
- Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park
- Manatee Springs State Park
- Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
- Eagle Landing Golf Club
- Ocala Golf Club
- Ravine Gardens State Park
- Ironwood Golf Course
- Ocala National Golf Club
- Depot Park
- Florida Museum of Natural History
- Fanning Springs State Park
- The Preserve Golf Club
- Citrus Springs Golf & Country Club